Although I kind of knew of Karen growing up (we lived in a small town) we didn't really become friends until our junior year of high school. My really close friends in high school were through my church, and they were all in different grades than me, most of them older. God brought Karen into my life kind of out of nowhere, and I still thank Him for it! We had almost the exact same schedule our junior year, and I don't even remember how, but we became fast friends. She was an answer to prayer for a good solid girlfriend in my life! All of our other friends often said that Karen and I "shared a brain" or we were "connected at the hip." We could/can finish each other's sentences and know how the other one feels about a particular situation without having to explain it all. She's that friend. And we pretty much went everywhere together.We were there for each other through all the overly-dramatic typical high school events, and even attended the same college, Texas Tech. Even though we had different social circles in college, we were always close and stayed connected through lunches and phone dates.
Karen makes everything in life fun. Even a random trip through the McDonald's drive-thru, calculus homework, pregnancy woes, potty training...its all a good time with Karen. She laughs at everything and its contagious. I can't take myself too seriously around her because she'll call me out on it when she just starts laughing.
In high school, we had lots of "porch nights" together. Karen lived out in the country (that's what you say when you're from a small town) with no neighbors around and it was really quiet and peaceful. I would spend the night at her house and we would grab a thick comforter and go sit on her back porch under the comforter and talk and laugh all night long. We talked about dumb stuff I'm sure, but also our dreams and desires for our husbands and marriage, what we wanted out of college, where we wanted to travel to and live, our faiths and what we thought about God. I treasure those memories and pray that my own kids have nights like those with their friends some day.
Life went on, I moved away, and we both got married. We didn't talk a ton, but when we did it was just like we had been talking everyday. My parents moved to Lubbock (where Karen lives) after I got married and then Karen's brother moved to Austin (where I live), so we started being able to visit each other a lot easier. Such a blessing! And then we both got pregnant, due 3 weeks apart! It has been such an awesome thing to go through this whole motherhood thing together, and so fun! And since becoming grown-ups I've been amazed how God has brought us even closer. We've even picked up some of the same new hobbies and get to talk about that together. Our husbands, of course, mesh well too! When I was going through a particularly tough time last fall, Karen already had her trip planned to come visit me. I think God knew that I would be needing some time with her. That's so like Him.
Now our porch nights are either on the phone or in the car while we're throwing cheerios to our kids we're hauling around in the backseat, but I'm so grateful for our times together, however brief. And grateful that God gave me Karen for a friend. She's awesome.
Here are a few pics of Karen and me. Unfortunately (for you) I haven't scanned pictures from high school onto my computer, so those will have to come at another time. Maybe for your birthday next year, Karen! And I'll even pull out the high school Cancun trip pictures. Watch out!
My sister Whitney, me, and Karen at my Bachelorette Party
Karen and me at my baby shower. We pretty much wore the same outfit, down to the shoes. Obviously.
With our babies the first time they met!
After a fun day of shopping in Austin!
Our sleepy kiddos after a visit to Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, TX. (And we purchased the same carseats too, for the second time. Hudson and Keith had the exact same infant one too.
Beautiful minds think alike!)
Our friend Kelli, me, Whitney, and Karen on my 30th birthday! My favorite girls!
I love you, Karen! And I'm so glad God made you.
It's nice to know that you two have remained so close- I remember watching you together in HS and I knew you were a special pair! P.S. You are looking great at 30! :)
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